My fear of public speaking is really big and has escalated over the last year. It all started about a year ago when I had one mishap where I got really nervous and every presentation or anytime I would have to read out loud in class would lead to extreme anxiety. It's not just that I'm scared, I'm terrified... I get panic attacks. And I'm in highschool... I need to get over this. When I find out I have to speak in front of the class I freak out starting days before. Then as the days get closer I freak out and often cry. The day of the event I'm a wreck. When the speaking is actually about to happen I feel like my senses and nerves take over my body and I shut down. Im so numb with nervousness that I can't think. My whole body shakes and I feel like I'm going to faint. It is my biggest fear and It's so irrational... How did it get this bad? I am trying desperately to overcome it. I know for a fact I'm going to speak in front of both my class and my school soon and I'm freaking out. I feel like I've tried everything... From hypnotizing to psychiatrists to books to reading online to trying to practice to getting peoples advice.... AHHH